O
ne of a Kind proves that Bruford didn't need Brand X's help to sound like them. The quartet matches up nicely with that band's early lineup: a lively drummer (Bruford), a great guitarist (Holdsworth), a keyboardist to create moods and melodies (Stewart) and a fretless bassist (Berlin). The record includes some upbeat fusion that recalls Yellowjackets and Jean-Luc Ponty as well as more sinister, sinewy pieces ("Fainting in Coils"). The presence of Bruford and Holdsworth alone will make this attractive to some folks, although the truth is that both have done better work elsewhere. Frankly, all of Bruford's first three studio albums have their share of good tracks. Here, it's "Fainting in Coils," "Five G" (with a great solo from Holdsworth), "Hell's Bells" and the two-part "The Sahara of Snow" that stand out. Fusion fans will enjoy One of a Kind as much as any of Bruford's early releases. Read the review at All Music Guide.